Ten Questions with Bob Wendland
Bob Wendland is a theatre manager, artistic director, producer and entertainer dedicated to creating inspiring and impactful art. As Assistant Director of Performances for Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. and Artistic Director of The Good Night Theatre Collective in Sioux Falls, SD, he brings Broadway tours and world-class entertainment to his community while championing local talent. A leader in the arts, he was the youngest recipient of the 2018 Mayor’s Award for Individual Excellence in the Arts. In all he does, Wendland strives to build community and create meaningful and entertaining experiences for those around him.
1. What is your favorite thing about working and living in Sioux Falls?
There are a million reasons I love this city, but it’s the people that make it my favorite city in the world. It’s the creativity and drive of my colleagues, the growth mindset and supportive encouragement of the leaders I work alongside, the excitement toward art and culture from the folks throughout our community and the willingness of my amazing neighbors to share garden bounties in the summer and pull my garbage from the curb when I’m on vacation. Sioux Falls is great because its people are incredible.
2. What is one family tradition you treasure?
My dad passed away too soon and so many of my favorite traditions are tied to memories of him. His earth-shatteringly delicious chili at Christmas comes to mind.
3. What is your favorite Broadway show and why?
With absolutely no embarrassment or shame, my answer has been and always will be Cats. There is no greater example of true musical theatre than this masterpiece. Every aspect of the show is outrageous and over-the-top and that’s exactly what I want in a Broadway musical. I want to be transported and wrapped up in the environment and forget that I’m some random person sitting in a theater and Cats accomplishes that every time. Though, I will say I’ve had some pretty exceptional experiences on Broadway in the past six months with shows like Gypsy with Audra McDonald, Oh Mary, and Death Becomes Her.
4. What is something you are optimistic about for our community?
Our theatre and performing arts community is so darn cool. The people in this community who are hustling so hard to create entertaining, thought-provoking and exciting work have my heart. I’m so inspired by the artists in Sioux Falls who are pushing for growth and shining a light on the great work of their peers. I get to see world class theatre in New York City for my job and I still get just as excited to see a show by Spotlight Theatre Company or The Premiere Playhouse or LiRa Dance Theatre and the list goes on and on.
5. The Chamber plays many roles in the community. What does the Chamber offer that you especially find valuable?
I appreciate the spotlighting that the Chamber offers. They are constantly raising their voice to highlight the exceptional work of people and organizations in our community. It’s so admirable how hard The Chamber works to spotlight our beautiful, diverse, innovative and inspiring community!
6. What is one community or non-profit organization that you support? Tell us about it and why it is important to you.
It’s impossible to choose just one so I’ll give you a list 🙂 I love Reach Literacy and the life-changing support they offer. I’m partial to Sioux Falls Stage and Gallery because it’s my husband’s non-profit, but also because they bring art of all kinds to the forefront and support the artists and creatives in our city unlike any other organization. The Transformation Project does some of the most courageous work in our community and I’m in absolute awe of them. And I’m obviously a really big fan of The Washington Pavilion and their mission to impact our region through art and science.
7. What did you want to be when you grew up?
Oh, without question, I was going to be a Broadway actor. I rehearsed my Tony Award speech in my bedroom most nights of the week. Then I took a trip with my college best friend to New York in our sophomore year at Augustana and I immediately changed my mind. I love visiting New York City, but I’m not made of the right stuff to live there. So now I get to bring Broadway to my city and showcase the world-class talent of the artists living right here! A Tony Award would’ve just collected dust on a shelf anyway, right?
8. What is one of Sioux Falls best-kept secrets?
How do I pick just one?! I’m super excited about the new non-profit, Theatre Lab and their focus and drive toward sharp and sophisticated character-driven work. Daily Food and Drink is probably my favorite spot for a good breakfast or lunch.
9. What is a memorable story you have from your experience on stage/in theater?
Again, impossible to choose just one experience. I’ve been unreasonably and probably unfairly blessed with memorable and cherished experiences through The Good Night Theatre Collective. I’ve had the opportunity to play many bucket list roles, but more importantly, I’ve met so many of my closest and dearest friends through this organization. It’s humbling to be part of a collective of artists who care so deeply about providing high-quality experiences to our patrons and even higher-quality experiences for each other.
10. What is a piece of advice you’ve received that has served you well?
My acting professor told us to “make art where you are.” And that has served me very well ever since.
Bonus question: What has been your favorite show featured at the Washington Pavilion to date?
To date?!?! That’s tough! Hadestown was brilliant just a few months ago- I’ve been eager to get that one here ever since seeing it in New York. We also presented Into the Woods in 2017 and the touring adaptation was unlike anything I have ever seen. Super innovative and creative!